Love Does Generosity
“4 Keys to Unlock the Power of Giving”
Greg Wendschlag October 1, 2017
"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest
with very little will also be dishonest with much. 11 So if you have not been trustworthy in handling
worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? 12 And if you have not been trustworthy with
someone else's property, who will give you property of your own?” Luke 16:10-12
Key #1 – God is the Owner You are the Manager
“Jesus told his disciples: "There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his
possessions. So he called him in and asked him, “What is this I hear about you? Give an account of
your management.”” Luke 16:1-2
Everything comes from God.
God has expectations of His managers.
God will hold us accountable for how we managed His money.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who
does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17
Key #2 – If you are Generous Toward God He will be Generous Toward You
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will
also reap generously.” 2 Cor. 9:6
Laws of sowing and reaping
1. You can’t reap if you don’t sow.
2. If you sow you will reap.
3. If you sow you will reap what you sow.
4. You will reap more than what you’ve sown.
“You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us
your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” 2 Cor. 9:11
Key #3 – Honor God with the Tithe
"Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. "But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' "In tithes and offerings. You
are under a curse — the whole nation of you — because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe
into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the Lord Almighty,
"and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will
not have room enough for it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your
fields will not cast their fruit," says the Lord Almighty. "Then all the nations will call you blessed, for
yours will be a delightful land," says the Lord Almighty.” Malachi 3:8-12
What is a tithe = 10% of your income.
Who should tithe - Every Christian.
When should I tithe – When you earn income.
Where should I give the tithe – To your “storehouse”, the local church.
Why should I tithe – To obey and honor God.
What are the results of tithing – God’s protection and provision.
Can I give more than a tithe – give as much as you have faith to give.
Key #4 – Generosity Goes Beyond the Tithe
“Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion.”
2 Cor. 9:7
What is an offering – anything you want to give beyond the tithe
What is the attitude of a generous person - cheerful
“God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Cor. 9:7
"The secret of financial success is save 10%, tithe 10%, and live on the rest."
John D. Rockefeller
The 70% principle
1. The first 10% is your tithe
2. The second 10% is your offering
3. The third 10% pays off your debt or is invested
4. Be as generous as you like with the remaining 70%
This Week in Your Groups InCommon
1. Share an experience when you “tested God” with generosity.
2. Why do you think so many people have such a hard time being generous?
3. What are some other passages of scripture that reinforce a life of generosity?
4. Does God bless money only when it is given to the church or does He bless all generosity?
5. Where does faith enter in to our life of generosity?
